Allan Simonsen died on Saturday after crashing at the Le Mans 24-Hour, the first fatality during the race for 27 years.

The 34-year-old Dane, driving an Aston Martin, spun into the barriers at Tertre Rouge on lap three after 10 minutes. He was immediately transferred to the Circuit Medical Centre where he died soon after. Reports said he was conscious and talking to doctors immediately following the accident.

Simonsen's family said they wanted the team to continue to participate in the race as a tribute to him.

Organisers said the circumstances surrounding the accident were still being investigated. Footage from the vehicle following Simonsen seems to show his car suddenly veering to the left and there was no other car involved.

The accident meant the cars drove behind the safety car for an hour before racing resumed.

The fatality is the first since Frenchman Sebastien Enjolras was killed during pre-qualifying in 1997 and the first in the race itself since Austrian Jo Gartner died in 1986.